Echols Dorm: Brick Wall By Side Door
Braley Pond
Greetings fellow mountain bikers! Come check out one of the best downhill trails in the GW National Forest. Braley Pond is a “Day Use Area” that offers access to numerous trails. The downhill I referred to isn’t like your typical mountain descent – numerous tight switchbacks along the mountain side – oh no, Bald Ridge Trail takes you straight down the mountain (at a prefect decline)! BUT, the ride we’re doing is a loop which means we first have to earn the downhill portion with 2 long, grueling climbs. The first climb is done via forest service roads and Route 250, and will constitute 1/3 of the total ride. The second climb is a steep 1.5 mile single-track ascent which will make you wonder why you ever got into mountain biking. You’ll quickly and emphatically remember soon after the sweet ass descent. The ride distance will be ~20 miles and I estimate it’ll take us 4-5 hours, depending on the experience level of the group. For more info on the ride check out:
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4736802
Please do NOT sign up unless you have a good amount of mountain biking experience (intermediate level and beyond) and are in decent shape. Each will ride at their own pace and there will be several stops to collect the group and let everyone rest. To screen your experience level you will get waitlisted upon joining and then moved to the trip list if appropriate. I’m setting the trip size to 5 peeps but can expand if drivers sign up.
*If you need to borrow a club bike and/or helmet please secure one before the trip. I will not be checking any out for you.
You should bring a bike and helmet, biking clothes (no baggy pants; the chainring will eat them), spare tubes, extra socks (there will be at least one stream crossing), plenty of water and snacks, money if you want to stop for food on the way home.
The Club provides: Bike, helmet, some spare tubes, air pump, some tools, bike transport.